Chicago is getting an elected school board. What questions do you have?

A photo of two empty seats for Chicago’s school board members on shared dais. In front of the seats is the table part of the dais. Behind the seats is a gray, matte, and square sign. In the middle of the sign is a circle with a hand holding a torch inside. Above the circle is the words “Board of Education,” curved around the circle. Below is the circle is the words “City of Chicago,” also curved. Wrapping around the words in a half circle is a laurel.
The Chicago Board of Education seal, taken in June 2023. (Max Lubbers / Chalkbeat)

Sign up for Chalkbeat Chicago’s free daily newsletter to keep up with the latest education news.

Less than a year from now, Chicago Public Schools will swear in its first elected school board members.

But even with a firm swearing-in date of Jan. 15, 2025, many unanswered questions still remain about the election on Nov. 5 that would usher in those new board members — and how the board will function once in place. State law says 10 members will be elected this year, but lawmakers are debating whether to elect all 21 now. (Mayor Brandon Johnson recently asked the legislature to ensure that just half are elected this year, the Sun-Times reported.)

The state legislature must also finalize district boundaries for school board members. Lawmakers appear to have agreed on a third draft of the map last November.

Once members are sworn in next January, what’s next? How will the board work in comparison to the appointed board it will replace?

Chalkbeat Chicago wants to hear your questions about the upcoming school board elections and the elected school board. We’ll aim to answer your questions through our reporting as we follow campaigns and elections this year.

Answer the survey here or fill it out below. We will not use your name in our reporting without your permission.

Reema Amin is a reporter covering Chicago Public Schools. Contact Reema at ramin@chalkbeat.org.

The Latest

The rollout of California's teletherapy apps has been slow and social workers worry some youths who need clinical care won’t get referrals.

About 8% of New York City students opted out of the state’s reading test last year, roughly double the pre-pandemic rate.

Yajaira Fuentes-Tauber’s students have won $13,000 through a contest aimed at improving watershed health.

The new school board, nominated by Mayor Cherelle Parker, will be seated on May 1 and have its first action meeting May 30.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez said the district’s new budget formula is an “important milestone.” But at some schools, parent and educator concerns are starting to percolate.

After hearing from parents, the board passed a resolution to create a special task force to review each school’s health and culture.